Archives for August 2016

LiverpoolFC misfit Mario Balotelli returned to the Reds this summer when his AC Milan loan spell ended. Balotelli’s performances were less than inspiring at Milan (just one goal in 20 competitions), and this followed up his dismal season with LFC.

The Italian bad boy scored just one Premier League goal during his one awful season with Liverpool. However, today brings news that he finally has an escape route after all.

In a very unexpected turn of events, former Chelsea FC Defender David Luiz is on his way back to the Blues. Surprises like these are exactly the type of thing that makes transfer deadline day so wonderful. Paris Saint Germain and Stamford Bridge have struck a deal, and they’re working on finalizing the deal as we speak.

For most of this century, Notre Dame football has had many competitive advantages over the rest of the college football landscape. Modern times, however, have seen other programs, and conferences, catch up to the Fighting Irish in regards to national media exposure and on-field success.

As we enter the midst of opening kickoff weekend 2016, it’s really a handful of teams from the SEC and ACC that are being talked about as possible national title front-runners. On the other hand, credit the Fighting Irish football leadership for putting the infrastructure in place to regain those advantages. Notre Dame football knows what needs to be done in 2016 to be top dog again and they are doing it.

We once again have Arsenal FC transfer news to discuss today. With just mere hours left before the summer transfer window closes, the Gunners finalized two big deals that will likely conclude their transfer business this summer. Manager Arsene Wenger announced that the Shkodran Mustafi(reportedly for £35 million)deal is now officially official.

Under Coach Mark Dantonio, Michigan State football has reached new heights that even ESPN’s favorite Coach, Nick Saban, couldn’t achieve. The 2010s have brought a brave new world. Congrats to MSU Athletic Director Mark Hollis, who now has a football program on par with his basketball program. It’s Golden Age of MSU athletics, as double digit win football seasons are now routine.

This season does present new and tougher challenges though as the Spartans must replace Connor Cook, Shilique Calhoun and much more.

We once again have Arsenal FC transfer news circulating in the Twitterverse, blogosphere, cyberspace and media world. With just a day and change left before the summer transfer window closes, the Gunners are very active in closing out their transfer business.

Fleck modeled himself after Fitzgerald, as Fitz graciously mentored him at a time when the WMU leader was still cutting his teeth in the coaching world.

Both are well known for being high intensity, having a strong work ethic and occasionally YELLING when the situation requires it. That’s not by accident and Saturday will see the two clash at Ryan Field in the season opener for both teams.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has a little brother who also plays quarterback. Tom Flacco, a sophomore at Western Michigan University, is the WMU Broncos QB2. Senior Zach Terrell is ahead of him, and he’s really good. In fact, Athlon rated Terrell the 24th best QB in the nation this season.

Tom Flacco is more of a “change of pace quarterback;” you know like a “change of pace back.” He’s a run first quarterback, unlike Terrell, and unlike his brother.

It’s really been an eventful summer transfer window for Southampton Football Club. Three days ago, they announced a double signing- backup goalkeeper Stuart Taylor, and Portugese right-back Cédric. Here’s a link to more on those signings.

Just a day after new England manager Sam Allardyce confirmed Wayne Rooney as his choice for Captain, Wayne Rooney announced that he will retire from international football after the 2018 World Cup. The Manchester United forward is England’s all time leading scorer, with 53 goals from his 115 caps, however the 30-year-old was utilised as a midfielder during the recent Euro 2016 tournament by former boss Roy Hodgson.

Arsenal made a couple transfer buys here in the last few days before the transfer window shuts; adding more life to what had largely been a less than exciting summer transfer window. Just before the weekend, the Gunners agreed to terms with Deportivo La Coruna for striker Lucas Perez Martinez for £17 million and a £35 million deal Shkodran Mustafi.